My Review of "Casino Royale"
I'm going to start and finish the Daniel Craig series of bond films and here's the first movie.
Casino Royale came out back in 2006. It's crazy to think that it's been 16 years since this movie came out. I've only watched a few Daniel Craig bond films and this was one of them. Though I watched it back when this movie first came out I wasn't too sure what my take on this movie would be today.
The movie starts off a bit rough. We have a more inexperienced James Bond. He's pretty brutal with his assassinations and they're really messy. He's just become a double o agent and it shows because of his eagerness and unhinged direction.
The cinematography of the first portion of the movie is pretty great. As bond is inexperienced we also see a lower resolution camera taking in the action scenes. You can see grain and everything is in black and white. It isn't until he's officially 007 when the camera cleans up and becomes more dramatic.
You'll see a lot of really amazing tricks they do with the camera and framing to help tell the story. The work on this movie was absolutely amazing. It is probably one of the few times where I was genuinely interested in how they were going to place the shot. There's drama and intrigue in the way each of the scenes are shot.
The first half of the movie is to spin the story to make James Bond aware of the big bad guy called "Le Chiffre". This new bad guy isn't even that great of a bad guy. His cockiness is his own downfall and he gets saved by weird circumstances all the time.
The whole backstory is that Le Chiffre bets against a big plane corporation in the stock market. In order to get the money he wants to bet against this company he borrows from a sinister man in Africa. The plan is that he would destroy that plane corporation's newest plane. He hopes that their stock will spiral and he would win big time afterwards.
Unfortunately that doesn't go to plan. Now in crazy debt he decides to win it all back in a big game of Texas hold 'em poker. I know it sounds pretty weird but you have to know that in 2006 Texas hold 'em poker was really popular.
To add to the weirdness you'll see a lot of weird product placement in this movie. It's kind of glaring as to what they're doing and it's a little off putting. This is especially apparent since some of the products that they're promoting are absurdly out of date by today's standards.
It's kind of a slower buildup in the first half so that you understand the intensity of the second half. I thought it was kind of funny that they did a lot of intense Mexican stand off eye staring during the Texas hold 'em games. Some would say it's nicer than having them fighting with violence but they do that anyways. I guess it's to create more of a contrast between violent interactions and more civilized interactions between the two adversaries.
I did like the little twists that came out at the end but some of it was a little uneven. The moments where Bond figures out himself how he was duped are pretty clever. Then there were times when M would explain to Bond what happened. It's kind of a drag because with M's explanation there's no way for us as the audience to look back at the movie and figure it out ourselves.
Overall, it was a fun movie however it's not necessarily my flavor of movies I generally gravitate toward. Still as long as I had a good time with it I was okay. I wouldn't go out and watch this movie multiple times though and that's why I have to give this movie a 6.5 out of 10. It's a shame because I remember loving this movie back in the day.
About the Creator
Brian Anonymous
I have tons of opinions that change constantly. I watch a lot of movies and play video games. There are some articles on my struggles with languages and dance as well.
Keep reading
More stories from Brian Anonymous and writers in Geeks and other communities.
My Review of "The Bob's Burgers Movie"
The Bob's Burgers Movie has come out recently and it didn't take long for it to be streaming on Disney Plus. That's a good thing and a bad thing. It's great because we can all stream the movie however it might be bad for its box office revenue. Needless to say I think a lot of Bob's Burgers fans will be happy to finally get to see it.
By Brian Anonymous4 years ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters7 days ago in Geeks
Michael Vartan
Michael Vartan has long been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable yet understated actors. Known for his charm, emotional range, and consistent performances, Vartan built a career that resonated strongly with television audiences, particularly during the early 2000s. While he may not dominate headlines today, interest in Michael Vartan now reflects how lasting his impact has been on fans who grew up watching his work. Early Life and Entry Into Acting Michael Vartan was born on November 27, 1968, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Raised between France and the United States, he grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped his worldview. His mother was an American artist, and his father was a French actor and writer, which gave him early exposure to the creative world. Before acting became a serious pursuit, Vartan worked behind the scenes in the film industry. He served as an assistant to directors, gaining firsthand experience with the mechanics of filmmaking. This background gave him a grounded understanding of storytelling—an element that later showed in the depth and restraint of his performances. Breakthrough Roles and Rising Popularity Michael Vartan’s acting career began in the 1990s with roles in films such as The Pallbearer and Never Been Kissed. While these projects introduced him to mainstream audiences, his true breakthrough came with television. In 2001, Vartan was cast as Michael Vaughn in the spy drama Alias. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and his portrayal of the calm, morally driven CIA agent earned widespread praise. His on-screen chemistry with Jennifer Garner played a significant role in the series’ success and cemented Vartan’s status as a fan favorite. Alias allowed Michael Vartan to showcase more than just leading-man appeal. His character balanced action with emotional vulnerability, making him relatable despite the high-stakes spy narrative. For many viewers, this role remains the defining chapter of his career. Career After Alias Following the end of Alias, Michael Vartan continued working steadily in both television and film. He appeared in movies like Monster-in-Law and One Hour Photo, demonstrating his willingness to explore varied genres. On television, he took on leading and supporting roles in shows such as Hawthorne, Bates Motel, and The Arrangement. These performances reflected a shift toward more mature, nuanced characters, aligning naturally with his growth as an actor. Rather than chasing constant visibility, Vartan seemed selective, choosing projects that interested him creatively. This approach contributed to his reputation as a dependable and thoughtful performer rather than a celebrity driven by trends. Michael Vartan Now: Life Away From the Spotlight When people search for Michael Vartan now, they are often curious about why he appears less frequently on screens. The answer is not controversy or retirement, but balance. In recent years, Vartan has stepped back from high-profile roles, focusing more on personal life and selective professional opportunities. He has spoken openly in the past about the pressures of fame and the importance of mental health. This honesty resonated with fans and helped explain his quieter presence in Hollywood. Instead of constant exposure, Michael Vartan now represents a different model of success—one defined by longevity and personal well-being. Though he is not as active as he once was, he remains connected to the industry and continues to receive interest from both creators and audiences. His legacy ensures that his work is still revisited by new viewers discovering his shows through streaming platforms. Acting Style and Lasting Appeal What sets Michael Vartan apart is his subtlety. He is not known for over-the-top performances or dramatic transformations. Instead, his strength lies in emotional authenticity. Whether playing a spy, a doctor, or a troubled partner, his characters often feel grounded and believable. This realism helped him maintain relevance across different eras of television. His performances age well because they rely on human emotion rather than stylistic trends. For fans revisiting his work today, that quality remains just as compelling. Cultural Impact and Fan Connection While Michael Vartan may not dominate social media or entertainment news cycles, his fan base remains loyal. Online discussions, rewatch threads, and renewed interest in shows like Alias continue to introduce his work to younger audiences. His career serves as an example of how consistency and integrity can leave a lasting impression without constant self-promotion. In an industry that often rewards noise, Vartan’s quieter approach stands out. Final Thoughts Michael Vartan’s journey through Hollywood reflects a career built on steady growth, thoughtful choices, and respect for the craft of acting. From his early days behind the camera to his memorable television roles, he carved out a space that remains relevant even years later. For those wondering about Michael Vartan now, the answer is simple: he is living on his own terms, with a legacy already firmly established. His story reminds us that success in entertainment does not always mean being everywhere—it can also mean being remembered.
By Saboor Brohi 6 days ago in Geeks
Comments (1)
This movie is really amazing. After watching this movie I started playing casino games. I selected my first game from https://notgamstop.com/ and after that, I played a lot of games. Is there anyone who can help me find new casino games to explore more?